§ 13. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour how many factory inspectors are attending at the College of Technology, Leicester, a course of training in elementary chemistry, physics and electricity; what is the duration of the course; and what is the cost in respect of each inspector, in terms of tuition fees, subsistence and travelling expenses, which are additional to the current salary.
§ Mr. WatkinsonTwelve inspectors are attending this course, which is to last for three terms of approximately 12 weeks each. The cost in tuition fees for each inspector will be about £130. Subsistence will cost approximately £150 for a married inspector and £80 for a single inspector; the cost of travelling will depend on where the officers in question are stationed.
§ Dr. StrossDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary agree that the institution of such a course is some evidence of failure to recruit suitably trained personnel, and will he not accept that it is more desirable to get proper scales of salaries so that applicants are properly trained when they come into the service?
§ Mr. WatkinsonBut I am sure the hon. Gentleman would not disagree with me in this attempt to make the factory inspectorate better technically trained.
§ Mr. SpeakerI did not observe the hon. Lady rise.
§ Mr. SpeakerI have called the next Question.
§ 16. Dr. Strossasked the Minister of Labour what progress has been made since 13th May, 1954, in the consideration of the claim for an increase in the salaries of the Chief Inspector of Factories, the deputy chiefs, and the superintending inspectors; and whether it is now agreed that the salary of the chief inspector shall be not less than that of the Chief Inspector of Mines or the Chief Inspector of Taxes.
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe claim has been most carefully considered and the Association concerned have been informed that the Department cannot see their way to grant it.
§ Dr. StrossDoes not the Parliamentary Secretary agree with me that it is very invidious that there should be such a change as compared with pre-war practice when these scales were the same? Is not this really why we are having difficulty in securing suitable entrants—because the whole of the scales are depressed for everybody?
§ Mr. WatkinsonThe Association is coming along to discuss the matter further on 8th November, and I do not think that I should express an opinion in the meantime.
Miss WardWill my hon. Friend have another go at the Treasury? Is he aware that for a very long time we have been anxious about factory inspectors and that the Treasury might be pressed to do something more for them than has been done in the past? It is a very important matter.
§ Mr. WatkinsonI hope that I shall maintain the Ministry's discretion in this matter.